Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has jumped to the joint top position in the Sinquefield Cup, which is a part of the Grand Chess tour.

In the seventh round of the competition at St Louis in the United States, Anand defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia in a game that lasted 40 moves.The second straight victory with white pieces took Anand to 4.5 points from seven rounds.

With just two rounds remaining in the Super tournament, the Indian ace shares the lead with overnight leader Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France and Levon Aronian of Armenia.

World Champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway remained within striking distance of the three leaders following an easy draw against Peter Svidler of Russia. Carlson now has four points in his bag.